About Us

Having started out as an FSO in the early stages of my career back in 2008 I progressed from FSO, to Funeral Director, completing my NAFD diploma in 2012 with an independent Funeral Directors in Hampshire that became part of the Funeral Partners family in 2021. 

Since then, I have gone from Funeral Manager to progress to Area Development Manager for Surrey, looking after 9 branches, helping to ensure the team best serve the families we look after by supporting them and maintaining the Funeral Partners core values. I like to work closely with my team to maintain the highest standards and promoting best practice in the communities we serve. 

Born in Barbados, Sam came to the UK in 1968, and has been with Woking Funeral Service since 2003. He enjoys all sports, horse racing, dog racing, eating out and spending time with his granddaughter.

What you like best about your role:

The thought that I can help to ease some of the stress and strain for someone at a time when they are grieving on the loss of their loved one. Arranging a funeral can sometimes seem such a formidable task with so many things to do. This is where our role becomes so important as we offer gentle guidance and support throughout the funeral process.

Have you done any other roles in the funeral profession?

I have been involved in the funeral profession since 1967, beginning as a driver/bearer to funeral operative and then to my current position as a Funeral Director – I can say with confidence that I have covered most aspects of the funeral profession.

Specific memories/proudest moment at work:

All funerals have specific moments that confirm I have done my very best for a family; many funerals will remain in my memory forever and I feel honoured that I have played a part in creating some special memories.

My proudest moment was arranging the funeral for a very young child, whose parents were naturally distraught, everything I did for them appeared to bring them some comfort and they were so appreciative of the care that I had shown their loved one.

Personal interests:

I have been a football referee for 43 years, reaching the National list of Match Officials in 1996. I still referee at Senior level and have been Secretary of Guildford Referees Society for 38 years. I have many other football related administration jobs within the County. After football my spare free time is spent with my family, reading or gardening.

Julie joined James & Thomas Funeral Directors in March 2018 as a mobile funeral arranger. For the last 30 years she was a florist in and around Guildford where she has lived all her life.

She says “I never thought I would leave floristry as I have always been passionate about my work, but after losing both my parents recently I decided I wanted to help and guide families during such hard and difficult times.

I can honestly say that I absolutely love working here, it is very rewarding and I have had some lovely compliments, this job is so worthwhile.”
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her three children and family including her dog.

Liz has been working for James & Thomas Funeral Directors since 2018, and says it is the best role she’s had.

“I started as a funeral arranger and am now also a funeral director, so I can now personally be with my families from the time they come in to see me to saying their last goodbye.”

Liz says “It’s not just a job and is very rewarding, there’s no such thing as a boring day at work. I feel privileged to be able to help when a family needs me most, relying on me to ensure everything runs smoothly and entrusting their loved one to me. I keep in touch with many of my families and some have become dear friends.”

When not working Liz loves being  with her family and animals, and pursuing her love of horse riding.  She also enjoys spending family time on the Isle of Wight.

A former bus driver in Guildford, David joined the company in 1999. Having worked as a Funeral Operative, he is now the Foreman organising the day to day running of the service.
He has a large family network and spends his spare time looking after them. He has a 1938 Austin Seven that he is currently restoring.

Chris spent many years working with plants and gardens before taking on his role as a funeral arranger. He finds being able to provide support and guidance to people in their time of grief very rewarding and he values greatly the close rapport he is able to build with families at this time.

When he is not working, he enjoys gardening and cycling, both of which keep him close to nature. Chris works mainly in our East Horsley branch

Anne joined James & Thomas in July 2023 having previously worked for another funeral director in the local area for almost 2 years.  Prior to that she worked as a Probate Paralegal and a Legal Assistant for 20 years.  Anne left the legal world having become frustrated with the changes being introduced in the industry however, she still wanted to assist bereaved people at their time of need. 

A friend suggested applying for a Funeral Arranging role advertised locally.  Anne says, “I am so glad that I made the change, and I feel honoured to be able to assist families at what is the most difficult and challenging time of their lives.  This job is extremely rewarding and never boring as each funeral is unique and all Crematoriums, Churches and Cemeteries have their different requirements.” 

In her spare time Anne likes reading crime and historical novels, baking, watching films and walking, especially on the North Downs. Ane works mainly in our New Haw branch